West Thumb & Lake Yellowstone

Question 1

Why is it called “Black Pool” when it is blue?

Answer 1

Prior to 1991, lined with dark orange / brown microbes. August 1991, new vent opened, they erupted and joined. Hotter water killed microbes, letting us see the water’s color with just the gray sinter (rock) as a background.

Question 2

How deep is Black Pool?

Answer 2

35 feet (10.7 m)

Question 3

How deep is Abyss?

Answer 3

53 feet (16 m)

Question 4

How hot is Abyss? Black pool?

Answer 4

At least 165 degrees F if blue (74 degrees C)

Question 5

Size of Yellowstone Lake?

Answer 5

131.7 square miles (341 square km)

Question 6

Length of shoreline at Yellowstone Lake?

Answer 6

141 miles (227 km)

Question 7

Length and width of Yellowstone Lake?

Answer 7

20 mies (32 km) X 14 miles (23 km)

Question 8

Depth of Yellowstone Lake?

Answer 8

410 feet (125 m) at deepest point

Question 9

Temperature of Yellowstone Lake in summer?

Answer 9

45 degrees F (7 degrees C)

Question 10

gallons of water WT Basin pours into Yellowstone Lake daily?

Answer 10

3100 gallons

11,735 liters

Question 11

Has Fishing Cone ever erupted

Answer 11

1919: frequently to 40 feet and in 1939 to lesser heights.

Question 12

What did Lieutenant G.C. Doane say in 1870 about Abyss Pool?

Answer 12

“The distance to which objects are visible down in [its] deep abysses is truly wonderful.”